Comments on: 5 Ways to Avoid Pop Culture

By: Secret Latte

Secret Latte — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:45:16 +0000

On #2, we limit our computer/television use to nothing after 9pm to allow us to unwind without electronics.

#3 is more difficult because so much is restricted to a US IP address, and we’re in Western Europe (I know, I know, we could fudge the IP, but that’s not the point). Instead, I check TV listings on the satellite and record what we want to watch, shifting to a more controlled time. We rarely watch anything in real time, taking away my addiction to channel surfing.

#5: The clock is good, but perhaps combined with a timer is better? I find that, while I have sufficient clocks around me, I tend to think “I’ve got 10 minutes left,” then don’t glance again at the clock for another 40 minutes. For me, I really need the timer to make it work.

Secret Lattes last blog post..When Missionaries Leave on Bad Terms

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:52:51 +0000

Getting away is always nice, and I always find myself coming back with more enthusiasm, and more focused on what I need to do. I think another tip is to have an outside place of reading. I enjoy the outdoors because of the quietness, which is absent when my sister is present. Interesting about the dining room advice, that is exactly what happened.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 02:23:50 +0000

Dude–good insights. What about your tv? Do you keep it downstairs? I had to finally move mine upstairs because TLC always sucked me in…Cash Cab somehow always seems more important than, say, reading Neruda or Garcia Marquez.

By: The Dane

The Dane — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:50:58 +0000

I actually prefer not having clocks around—as they contribute to the artificial constraints on my time that human culture seems to thrive on for such little reason. I think that I am being a better steward of my time the less cognizant I am of its passing. With regard to #1 and the creation of a space for reading and reflection, keep in mind that whatever it is that you are reading is an artifact of one pop culture or another. So if you are reading, you are not avoiding pop culture but embracing it. The Danes last blog post..20080821

By: Carissa Smith

Carissa Smith — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:46:56 +0000

My husband would definitely approve of #5. He–and actually all my in-laws as well–insist on having a clock on every wall, so that you don’t have to turn your head to see the time.

This isn’t so much about filtering my pop culture exposure, but it definitely relates to making my life more peaceful: I refuse to use a cell phone, except during travel. I don’t want to be constantly accessible to the world, and being cell-free gives me times when I can disconnect. Now, if I can just wean myself off Gmail chat . . .

By: Joseph

Joseph — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:18:51 +0000

Good thoughts there. I especially like the idea of the 'reading corner', something I plan on trying myself now. Josephs last blog post..The Reviews Are In